Candidate Apologizes For Fliers In School

February 22, 2002|By Sallie James Staff Writer

CORAL SPRINGS — A first-time commission candidate has violated School Board policy by distributing campaign literature inside a local high school during a speaking engagement, said School Board spokesman Kirk Englehardt.

Scott J. Brook, 37, who is challenging incumbent commissioner Bill Stradling in the March 12 election, handed out election fliers on Tuesday to students during a class he is teaching at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

School Board policy strictly prohibits political activities and campaigning on school campuses or in school facilities, Englehardt said. No one at the school knew Brook was going to distribute fliers; nor was the School Board endorsing Brook in any way, Englehardt said.

"I am apologetic," Brook said on Thursday. "Apparently I violated a rule which I didn't know about. I am sorry for having done so. I will make sure not to pass out any literature at a public school."

Brook, a consultant for Junior Achievement and a lawyer, said he was teaching a six-week class titled "Success Skills," when he shared information about his own life, including the fact that he is running for City Commission.

Brook admitted to giving each student a business card from his law firm and a campaign flier. "I had no intent to violate any rules," he said."

Stradling, Brook's opponent for commission Seat 2, said the incident was upsetting. The 12-year veteran commissioner said a parent called him Wednesday night to voice concern.

"It doesn't set a good precedent," Stradling said. "I never would have known if someone hadn't called me ... To say he didn't know, I would really question that."